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Sri Dalada Maligawa

Ranked #1 among Kandy's attractions with a 4.7-star rating, this UNESCO World Heritage Site houses the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha. A stunning display of Kandyan architecture and spiritual devotion.

4.7

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Details of Sri Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic)

Open now 

Accessibility

Wheelchair-accessible toilet 

Wheelchair-accessible car park 

Wheelchair-accessible entrance 

Children

Good for kids 

Parking

Paid parking lot 

Free parking lot 

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Overview - Sri Dalada Maligawa

Located in the spiritual heart of Kandy, Sri Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic) is the most venerated Buddhist site in Sri Lanka. The temple complex is part of the royal palace of the former Kingdom of Kandy and houses the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha, which is enshrined within seven golden caskets. This site is not only a place of worship but a masterpiece of Kandyan architecture, featuring the famous Octagon (Paththirippuwa) and the Golden Canopy. Visitors can witness traditional rituals (Thevava) performed daily to the accompaniment of drums and flutes. The temple is surrounded by the scenic Kandy Lake and offers a profound glimpse into the island's rich history and religious traditions. A visit here is essential for understanding Sri Lankan culture, especially during the annual Esala Perahera, one of the world's oldest and grandest Buddhist festivals.

Tags/ Categories

Religious SiteUNESCO World HeritageHistoric SiteCultural AttractionArchitectureFamily Friendly

Highlights

Paththirippuwa (The Octagon)-image

Paththirippuwa (The Octagon)

Golden Canopy-image

Golden Canopy

Inner Shrine (Wedasiti Maligawa)-image

Inner Shrine (Wedasiti Maligawa)

Ancient murals-image

Ancient murals

Nearby Attractions

Kandy Lake-image
Nature / Lake

Kandy Lake

4

3,500 reviews

An artificial lake in the heart of the hill city, built in 1807 by King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe. Perfect for a scenic walk adjacent to the temple.

Royal Botanical Gardens-image
Nature / Garden

Royal Botanical Gardens

4.7

12,000 reviews

Located in Peradeniya, these gardens are renowned for their collection of orchids, spices, and towering palm avenues. A lush escape from the city.

Udawatta Kele Sanctuary-image
Nature / Forest

Udawatta Kele Sanctuary

4.5

1,800 reviews

A historic forest reserve on a hill-ridge in the city of Kandy. Famous for its extensive avifauna and monkey population.

Bahirawakanda Vihara Buddha Statue-image
Religious Site / Viewpoint

Bahirawakanda Vihara Buddha Statue

4.4

2,100 reviews

A giant Buddha statue seated on a hill overlooking Kandy city. It offers panoramic views of the entire town and the lake.

Ceylon Tea Museum-image
Museum

Ceylon Tea Museum

4.2

950 reviews

Occupying the 1925-vintage Hantana Tea Factory, this museum exhibits the history of tea pioneers and processing machinery.

Navigations

Sri Dalada Veediya, Kandy 20000, Sri Lanka

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Reviews

MO

Mohammed Islam

The Temple of the Tooth in Kandy is breathtaking! 🏯✨ This sacred Buddhist site is stunning, with intricate carvings and golden embellishments. The atmosphere's serene, and the devotees' devotion is palpable. You can feel the history and …

a month ago

DR

Dr.Mohina S Kulkarni

The Visit to this really shrine is more than a temple. It is very nice to know the history. And also to know how the tooth reached from the Kalinga kingdom to Sri Lanka through ambassadors, the whole place, is laid out very well and very …

a month ago

SA

Savindu Nirman

Sri Dalada Maligawa, also known as the Temple of the Tooth, is one of the most sacred places in Sri Lanka. It is located in Kandy and holds the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha. The temple has beautiful architecture with golden roofs, …

a month ago

BR

Breath

The Dalada Maligawa is truly a sacred and peaceful place filled with history and spiritual beauty. The atmosphere is calm and respectful, and the architecture is breathtaking. A must-visit in Kandy to experience Sri Lanka’s deep culture and devotion. Absolutely five stars! 🌸🙏 …

2 months ago

AM

Amit Kumar Shaw

Place has much more local relevance if you deep dive into history. Great connection with India and how the tooth was brought. Extremely clean and do explore the museums inside because most people skip that. It’s a bit pricey for the location but I guess it all goes into maintenance so worth it.

2 months ago

SR

Srdjan

If you are in Sri Lanka this is something not to be missed. The most important Buddhist temple. An extraordinary place with a special atmosphere that inspires. Since it is mandatory to take off your shoes if you are not used to it, it …

a month ago

AP

Aparna Kumar

Visiting Sri Dalada Maligawa was a profoundly moving experience — this isn’t just a temple, it’s Sri Lanka’s beating spiritual heart. The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy holds more than the tooth of the Buddha; it holds centuries …

2 months ago

NY

Nyesha Sen

A lovely temple for the Buddhists that is extremely sacred because of the tooth that was recovered from the pure of lord Buddha. That tooth has been preserved here and is worshipped as a part of the lord himself. The tooth bears huge …

Edited 2 months ago

BE

Bernard Savage

Also known as the Temple of the Tooth it is probably fair to say that this is the principal Buddhist shrine in Sri Lanka and a major tourist draw for the city of Kandy. There is nearly always a fairly large crowd of devotees and tourists at …

Edited a month ago

NI

nikesh madhani

Kandy temple is one of the oldest and has huge historicsl anf spiritual significance especially for Buddhism. Its located just next to the Kandy lake and is a large complex. However, for foreigners, they charge LKR 2000 per adults which we …

a month ago

NI

Niluxshan B.B

Recently, I visited the Sri Dalada Maligawa. The place felt truly divine, and the inner areas were absolutely beautiful. The huge elephant tusks, the ancient drawings, and many other historic artifacts were fascinating. The museum inside …

2 months ago

PI

Piyush Parashar

Calm, quiet, beautiful and full of history and spirituality. Sri Dalada Maligawa temple or Temple of Tooth Relic is one of the holiest places of worship for the Buddhist community of Sri Lanka. Located at the heart of Kandy and next to the …

2 months ago

HA

hansa parhirana

'Sri Dalada Maligawa' ශ්‍රී දළදා මාළිගාව. This is a sacred place holding the left canine tooth of the Lord Buddha. One of the key places to visit in Sri Lanka. Thousanda of Buddhist and none Buddhist around the world are visiting this place.

a month ago

IS

Isuru Warne

The Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy is one of Sri Lanka’s most sacred and culturally significant places. Stepping inside feels peaceful and spiritual, with the scent of flowers, traditional drumming, and beautifully carved architecture …

3 weeks ago

RA

Ravindu Rajapaksha

Walking through the complex, you'll immediately feel a sense of serenity wash over you. The architecture is simply stunning, with intricate details and vibrant colours that captivate the eye. The air is filled with a quiet energy. You can …

2 months ago

MA

MagicalBechi

Big temple of the tooth. It takes a few ours to see all of you include the museum. Lots of people but is clean. You have to take your shoes off before going in and leave them in security. If you a foreigner your ticket is higher but it …

5 months ago

TH

Tharaka Dilhara

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A Sacred Jewel of Sri Lanka – The Temple of the Tooth Relic …

2 months ago

AD

Adithya Minol

The Temple of the Tooth (Sri Dalada Maligawa) is in Kandy, Sri Lanka. It houses the sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha, making it one of the most important religious and cultural places in the country. In ancient times, it symbolized royal …

2 months ago

NU

Nurseit Niyazbekov

The place is worth 2000 LKR. Territory is well cared for. Guides who want to help you are too annoying. High religious significance. The museum is also here. Could do better if they had more information panels or some booklet. Not many tourists in beginning of October. No toilet on the premises!

2 months ago

ER

Eranga Edirisinghe

This is a sacred and culturally important place for Buddhists, and it's also a popular tourist destination. The peaceful atmosphere and spiritual significance make it a memorable experience. You may even see tamed elephants nearby, which …

5 months ago

Tóth Viktor

Nice Buddhist temple. Dont fall for the sellers in case you have a short pants on. Inside you can rent 1 cover for free. There is a 500lkr deposit what you will get back at the end. …

2 months ago

HE

Heshan Gunathilaka

The Buddhists people for most valuable Temple is this Sacred Tooth Relic. 🛑It is perfect for white colour Modest clothes for women and men's. 🛑You can't bring any weapon, lighter, or drugs. …

3 months ago

JA

Janusz S.

Very nice couple of hours learning about the culture of Sri Lanka with a knowledgeable guide. A walk through the the grounds and various chambers is a cool break from the beach or the pool. Make sure to ask when to take photos. Definitely recommend

5 months ago

TO

Tomas Fernandez Pilato

Mandatory visit when in Kandy to understand more about local culture and Buddhism. …

Edited 2 months ago

CH

Chamidu Kavishka

The Kandy Dalada Maligawa, also known as the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, is one of Sri Lanka’s most revered Buddhist sites and a must-visit destination for both pilgrims and tourists. Located in the heart of Kandy, this historic …

3 months ago

TH

Thomas Bloom

A must do if you are in Kandy. Rich with history and religion , a beautiful site to behold. It was nice to see the customs and traditions are as strong as ever. …

5 months ago

SA

San's Creations (SP Gowdar)

This temple is a truly magnificent and spiritually uplifting place to visit 🙏✨. The temple’s architecture is stunning, showcasing beautiful traditional craftsmanship and intricate details that reflect Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage 🏯🎨. …

5 months ago

MA

Maleesha De Silva

Seeing the Sacred Tooth Relic, even from a distance, felt like a once-in-a-lifetime moment. The rituals and offerings were fascinating to witness, and I appreciated how the temple maintains its traditions so gracefully. The scent of …

5 months ago

AS

Asitha Sampath

Sri Dalada Maligawa is a sacred and peaceful place, filled with cultural and spiritual value. The temple is beautifully maintained and offers a calm environment for worshippers and visitors. It is truly an unforgettable experience that reflects the rich heritage of Sri Lanka. I highly recommend visiting this holy site.

3 months ago

TI

Tiffany Wong

A must visit Buddhist temple if you visit Kandy! It is called The Temple of The Tooth and it is the most significant sacred Buddhist monument. It is just like having a live history lesson there. The Buddhist statues, jewelries, the …

4 months ago